Who is the best PD in town? Who is the best PD in town to work for? I'm opening this discussion because a buddy has an interview with someone this week and he asked me. I told him my opinions, but I thought it might be interesting to start a thread on this. It's a serious question, so please behave like grownups, people.

Hmmm thats a tough one, I'll have to get back to you on that one.

Based on what they are trying to accomplish, Dennis Constantine seems to be on the right track.

John Paul

Mike Moore, no contest

Michael Hayes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (just kidding!)

I've worked with a lot of great PDs over the years. The best ever was/is Mike Dirkx.

Although I have never met the guy, I would have to say Tony Coles.

His high regard, not only among those who work for him but also from those who used to work for him but were downsized in Clear Channel's slash and burn, is almost universal.

Based on word of mouth, he works hard to protect both the product and his people, while working within the most challenging environment in radio. He doesn't win every battle -- but he seems to be a real fighter.

And he seems to have done it without losing the repect of either those he works for, or of those who work for him.

Tony Coles is indeed awesome - CC's been lucky to have him all these years.

From the perspective of making radio fun and meaningful for the listener, my vote is for Dennis Constantine. I have also heard he is a pleasure to work for.

Maybe the more appropriate question would be, who's the best programming committee in town these days? I don't notice much talk about great PDs anymore!

I'll place a vote for Tony Coles. Worked for him very briefly as a fill-in at Warm 106.9 several years ago. Got a good vibe from him. Can't say I know him well, but he just seemed to be a calm presence in the sometimes hectic Sandusky Seattle complex. I can't help but think he offers a very human presence in the Clear Channel machine.

I'm biased because he's the leader of the team I play on, but what TDanner and Ron say about Tony is true. The air staff trusts and respects him a great deal, and we feel like it flows both ways. I've been lucky to work with programming managers like Mike Phillips, Bill Minckler, and now Tony Coles, who've understood that the very best performance occurs in a positive and respectful environment.

I did not wish to be the first to say this, because it would have sounded like sucking up, but all this praise is aptly placed. Tony Coles is one of the finest people I've ever worked for/with, and I've worked for several fine people along the way (Minckler, Brooks, John Sebastian among them.)

Michael Bailey

Rick Emerson!



NOT!

Hats of to Malcom Reynolds. He would have made a hell of a programmer.


Jayne

When you are forced to inflict all of today's corporate limitations on an airstaff and they still respect you and they get "7" shares for you, you must be outstanding. Such is the case with Tony Coles. Ms. Danner and the others are right...he is one of the best!

Somewhat on topic, Jim Ryan has left WLTW New York to start his own consulting firm. Can anyone confirm that he's the same Q105 morning drive/PD/owner?

One in the same.

Thank you, Big Tom!

Dennis Constantine for what he has accomplished at KINK, one of the most successful AAA's in the country. K-HITS is also a very notable accomplishment, given that the fad at the time was to abandon Oldies for Charlie, Jack or Bob or whatever. He is super sharp and well respected across the country.

I also really like Tony Coles, who almost hired me once. Since he didn't, he only gets one sentence.

I guess the answer to the question would partially depend on what kind of radio station you'd like to work at.